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Carlie did not think that her final year at the University of Central Florida would end up filled with fears, isolation, and online classes.
The young woman, originally from Haiti, hoped to graduate in public relations and work with organizations that assist students like her.
According to Univisión, after losing access to state tuition, she studies from her apartment today, not even going out to shop, out of fear of being detained by immigration agents.
Like her, thousands of undocumented students in Florida have seen their college education hang in the balance.
It all began when state legislators revoked the 2014 law that allowed residents without legal status to pay tuition as if they were residents.
The new regulation, signed by Governor Ron DeSantis and supported by the administration of President Donald Trump, came into effect on July 1.
More than 6,500 students in the state qualified for the tuition waiver during the 2023-2024 cycle.
Without her, the annual cost for a non-resident student can exceed $30,900, compared to the $6,380 paid by a state resident, not including housing, transportation, and other expenses.
Paradoxically, the now-repealed law had been defended by then-state Republican legislator Jeanette Nuñez, who is now the lieutenant governor.
His change in stance illustrates how Florida's immigration policy has shifted towards the priorities of the current federal government.
The impact is devastating. Diego Dulanto Falcon, who graduated in Psychology thanks to the exemption and is now pursuing a master's degree in Public Health, summarizes it this way: “Completely undocumented students have absolutely no options. They either work informally or simply do not work at all.”
David, a young Honduran, prepared in high school to attend university, but now he works in a fast-food restaurant because he cannot afford the tuition.
“I did exactly what they told me to do: study. But it wasn't enough,” he said, also to Univisión.
This change is not exclusive to Florida. The Department of Justice has sued states like Texas, Kentucky, Minnesota, and Oklahoma to eliminate educational benefits for undocumented immigrants.
In Texas, a similar law was blocked by a federal judge in June.
Meanwhile, the Department of Education is investigating universities that provide scholarships to students without immigration status.
"The idea that all of that can be taken away from them in such a cruel manner discourages educators," said Rosie Curts, a math teacher in Dallas.
Carlie, for her part, enrolled online at Purdue Global University. Some of her credits were not recognized, and she had to change her major.
He did not return to campus because, he claims, more than a dozen universities in Florida—including UCF—have agreements with ICE that allow immigration control operations.
"I chose the online school because I simply don't feel safe," she said.
She lives in confinement, receiving food in her apartment, hours away from her family in Miami. She fears being detained without anyone knowing.
"I'm trying to get my life back on track," he concludes. "But I can't stay home forever."
A similar drama is occurring in Florida schools, where the repeal of the policy that protected these centers from immigration raids has turned schools into spaces of fear for thousands of students across the United States.
The two main teachers' unions in the United States filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump's administration for allowing immigration arrests in schools and churches, which has caused fear, school abandonment, and anxiety among students, educators, and families.
Frequently Asked Questions about the State Enrollment Revocation for Undocumented Students in Florida
Why are undocumented students in Florida losing access to state tuition?
The repeal of the 2014 law that allowed undocumented students to pay in-state tuition rates as residents is the main reason. This measure was signed by Governor Ron DeSantis and supported by the Donald Trump administration, significantly increasing costs for these students.
What are the economic consequences of the new law for undocumented students?
Undocumented students now face an annual tuition cost of over $30,900 compared to the $6,380 paid by state residents. This excludes additional expenses such as housing and transportation, making college education practically inaccessible for many.
What alternatives do undocumented students in Florida have after the revocation of state enrollment?
Some students, like Carlie, have chosen to enroll in online universities, although this may involve the loss of credits and changes in their major. Others try to work informally or look for private scholarship options, although the latter are also under scrutiny.
How have communities and educational institutions reacted to this measure?
Protests and demonstrations have arisen at universities such as FIU due to agreements with ICE that allow the implementation of immigration laws on campus. Additionally, the educational community expresses concern about the psychological and academic impact on students.
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